General Characteristics Crew List Memorabilia Cruise Books About the Ship's Coat of Arms History Homeports of USS Vicksburg  About the Name "Vicksburg" Some Details Patch Gallery Image Gallery to end of page

USS Vicksburg (CG 69)

USS VICKSBURG was the 23^rd TICONDEROGA-class guided missile cruiser and the 4^th ship in the Navy to bear the name of the Mississippi city along the bluffs of the Mississippi River at the mouth of the Yazoo River. USS VICKSBURG held a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on June 28, 2024. She was officially decommissioned on July 26, 2024.

back to top

go to the end of the page

back to top

go to the end of the page

Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS VICKSBURG. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

• Click here to view the list.

back to top

go to the end of the page

• Click here to see which USS VICKSBURG memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

back to top

go to the end of the page

USS VICKSBURG Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean and Persian Gulf Cruise Book 1997
• Mediterranean and Arabian Sea Cruise Book 2002
• Mediterranean and Arabian Sea Cruise Book 2006
• Mediterranean and Arabian Sea Cruise Book 2009
• SNMG2 Cruise Book 2014-15

back to top

go to the end of the page

About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Shield:

The shield's dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the United States Navy. Red is emblematic of sacrifice and valor. The blue and gray of the shield recall the two sides involved in the Civil War. The four sections underscore July 4, 1863, the date of the confederate surrender at Vicksburg, MS. The Naval sword and musket, crossed to express strength, signify the teamwork and the joint operations of the land and sea forces at Vicksburg when the Union Navy transported General Ulysses S. Grant s Army inland under fire. The annulet symbolizes General Grant s siege of the city by closing the ring on the Confederate forces to win the battle. The vertical missile symbolizes the firepower of the current cruiser, USS VICKSBURG. The border simulates the armor plates of the Civil War gunboats and the part they played in the battle; the seventeen black cannon balls pay tribute to the Union s 17th Army Corps Commander who was victorious at Vicksburg, and was appointed Commander of the Vicksburg District on July 4, 1863.

The Crest:

In the crest, the American eagle in flight symbolizes the reunification of the states involved in the Civil War. The eagle carries a streamer containing the two battle stars of the previous cruiser, USS VICKSBURG (CL 86), received for service in World War II. The key held in the eagle s right talon represents President Abraham Lincoln s statement that "...Vicksburg is the key...the war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket." The trident in the eagle s left talon is symbolic of a sea power with its three tines representing the anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the present guided missile cruiser, USS Vicksburg (CG 69). The trident also honors the previous ships named "VICKSBURG". The embattled wall above the wavy lines recalls the high fortresses of the city of Vicksburg along the east bank of the Mississippi River, and also represents defense, strength, and the combat capabilities of CG 69.

back to top

go to the end of the page

History of USS VICKSBURG:

USS VICKSBURG was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Originally intended to be named PORT ROYAL, the cruiser was renamed VICKSBURG before construction began. Her keel was laid on May 30, 1990, and she was launched on September 7, 1991. Sponsored by Tricia Lott, wife of Mississippi Senator Trent Lott, she was christened on October 12, 1991, and commissioned at Pascagoula on November 14, 1992. Following commissioning, VICKSBURG joined the Atlantic Fleet and was assigned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, as her homeport. During her initial months in service, the cruiser conducted equipment trials, crew training, and operational preparations before beginning regular fleet assignments.

In October 1993, VICKSBURG participated in Operation Support Democracy off Haiti. The United Nations had imposed sanctions on the country following the military coup that removed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in September 1991. American warships were assigned to enforce restrictions on petroleum products and arms shipments entering Haiti. VICKSBURG was among six U.S. Navy ships initially assigned to the maritime operation, alongside USS GETTYSBURG (CG 64), USS STERETT (CG 31), USS CARON (DD 970), USS JACK WILLIAMS (FFG 24), and USS KLAKRING (FFG 42). The operation began on October 18, 1993, with naval patrols off the Haitian coast and in the surrounding approaches to prevent unauthorized shipments from reaching the country's military government.

During her first major overseas deployment in 1994, VICKSBURG operated in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas with the battle group centered on USS SARATOGA (CV 60). The deployment took place during the continuing conflict in the former Yugoslavia, when NATO and United Nations forces were conducting military and humanitarian operations in Bosnia and the surrounding region. VICKSBURG served as the Red Crown cruiser, providing airspace coordination and command-and-control support for allied aircraft operating over the Adriatic and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Her assignments were associated with Operation Deny Flight, which enforced restrictions on military flights over Bosnia, Operation Sharp Guard, which enforced maritime sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and Operation Provide Promise, the international humanitarian assistance effort. The cruiser operated with allied naval and air forces off the coast of Montenegro and in the Adriatic Sea.

In May 1994, VICKSBURG participated with the USS SARATOGA Battle Group in Exercise Dynamic Impact 94 in the western Mediterranean. The NATO exercise brought together naval, amphibious, air, and land forces to practice combined operations, command procedures, and coordination between allied military units. Following her Mediterranean deployment, VICKSBURG returned to the United States for maintenance and further operational assignments.

In August 1994, VICKSBURG was assigned to Operation Able Vigil in the Florida Straits. The operation was organized in response to the large number of Cuban migrants attempting to reach the United States by sea. Working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and other naval units, the cruiser assisted in maritime surveillance, interception, and the transportation of migrants to the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Coast Guard maintained primary responsibility for migrant interdiction, while Navy ships provided additional personnel, transportation, and logistical support.

In September 1994, VICKSBURG also supported American naval operations associated with Operation Uphold Democracy off Haiti. The multinational intervention was undertaken to restore the elected government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The naval force included the aircraft carriers USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and USS AMERICA (CV 66), which embarked U.S. Army troops and helicopters for operations ashore. Following negotiations with Haiti's military leadership, American forces began entering the country on September 19 without the large-scale combat originally anticipated.

In the autumn of 1995, VICKSBURG began another six-month overseas deployment, operating in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. During the deployment, she supported Operation Southern Watch, the continuing enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq established following the 1991 Gulf War. The cruiser also participated in Maritime Interception Operations intended to enforce United Nations economic sanctions against Iraq. On October 21, 1995, VICKSBURG relieved USS VELLA GULF (CG 72) on station in the Persian Gulf and assumed responsibilities for maritime interception operations.

During this deployment, VICKSBURG conducted more than 85 boardings and inspections of merchant vessels suspected of violating the sanctions. Many of the ships inspected were traditional wooden dhows, generally between 70 and 100 feet in length, transporting goods through the Persian Gulf. One of the principal commodities being smuggled out of Iraq at the time was dates. The inspections required boarding teams to examine cargoes, shipping documents, and vessel registrations while operating in confined waters and frequently difficult weather conditions. VICKSBURG's crew also conducted air-defense and maritime surveillance duties in support of coalition operations. Port visits during the deployment included destinations in Italy, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. The cruiser returned to Mayport in March 1996.

In September 1996, VICKSBURG was among thirteen ships homeported at Naval Station Mayport that were ordered to sea as Hurricane Fran approached the southeastern United States. The precautionary sortie was intended to protect the ships from potential damage caused by severe winds, heavy seas, and storm surge. Following the storm, VICKSBURG resumed her scheduled training and preparations for another overseas deployment.

On April 29, 1997, VICKSBURG departed Mayport with the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) Battle Group for a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. The battle group relieved the forces centered on USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), which had been operating in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf regions. During the deployment, the JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group supported Operation Deliberate Guard, NATO's military operation in support of the peace agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Operation Southern Watch over Iraq. VICKSBURG provided air-defense coordination, surface surveillance, and protection for the carrier battle group during its operations.

In July 1997, VICKSBURG participated in the U.S. Sixth Fleet exercise INVITEX, which involved naval forces from twelve nations. The exercise concentrated on multinational command procedures and coordinated maritime operations. From September 23 to October 7, the cruiser also participated in NATO Exercise Dynamic Mix. During the exercise, units of the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group were assigned to opposing forces in a series of simulated combat operations intended to test NATO planning, communications, and tactical procedures. Following the completion of the deployment, VICKSBURG returned to Mayport for maintenance and training.

During 1998, VICKSBURG experienced significant technical difficulties associated with the integration of the Aegis Baseline 6 combat system and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC). Similar problems affected USS HUE CITY (CG 66). The integration difficulties required additional software development, testing, and modifications to the ships' combat systems, disrupting planned operational schedules. The work involved combining the Aegis weapon system with CEC, which was designed to allow ships and aircraft to exchange sensor information and engage targets using data supplied by other units. The modernization and testing process continued into the following years. As a result of these difficulties, VICKSBURG and USS HUE CITY did not accompany the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group during its September 1999 deployment.

From June 2 to 18, 1999, VICKSBURG participated in the 27th annual Baltic Operations exercise, BALTOPS 1999, alongside USS HUE CITY and naval forces from the United States and several European countries. The exercise took place in the Baltic Sea and involved approximately 53 ships, submarines, and aircraft. Participating nations included the United States, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Training activities included maritime surveillance, tactical maneuvering, communications, anti-submarine warfare, and combined naval operations. On June 18, VICKSBURG and USS HUE CITY arrived at Kiel, Germany, for a three-day port visit following the exercise.

Later in 1999, VICKSBURG participated in the 40th annual UNITAS exercise series, operating in South American waters during the Atlantic phase of the multinational exercise. The cruiser served as flagship for Commander, South Atlantic Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Commander, Destroyer Squadron Six. Hosted by Brazil, the exercise involved 23 ships from six countries, including Brazil, the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, and Spain. The three-week training period included combined tactical exercises, communications drills, maritime maneuvering, and operational planning between the participating navies.

In May 2000, VICKSBURG and USS HUE CITY completed a series of live missile-firing exercises associated with the development of Cooperative Engagement Capability. The tests followed approximately two years of system integration and evaluation. Five targets representing different aerial threats were engaged under conditions that included electronic countermeasures. The testing also demonstrated the ability of one ship to engage a target using sensor data provided by another CEC-equipped ship, without relying exclusively on its own radar information.

In September 2000, VICKSBURG participated in Underway No. 10, another series of tests preceding the planned operational evaluation of CEC. Conducted in the Atlantic test areas off Wallops Island, Virginia, the trials involved advanced surface combatants and unmanned aerial targets. The exercises examined the ability of participating ships to maintain a common tactical air picture and exchange targeting information under simulated combat conditions.

From February 9 to March 2, 2001, VICKSBURG participated in a technical evaluation of CEC. The evaluation was conducted in two phases, the first off Puerto Rico and the second off Wallops Island, Virginia. Activities included missile firings, radar tracking, and the exchange of combat-system information between participating ships. The trials were intended to determine whether the system was ready for its operational evaluation scheduled for April and May 2001.

Following the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, VICKSBURG operated with elements of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Battle Group in support of Operation Noble Eagle. American naval forces were deployed along the East Coast, including waters off New York, to support homeland defense and provide additional air surveillance and security capabilities. VICKSBURG contributed her Aegis radar and command-and-control capabilities to these operations before resuming preparations for deployment overseas.

In early 2002, VICKSBURG joined the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group for Joint Task Force Exercise 02-1. The first phase took place from January 19 to 26, followed by a second phase from February 7 to 14. The exercises tested the battle group's readiness for deployment, including integrated air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface operations, and coordination with embarked aircraft.

In February 2002, VICKSBURG deployed with the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group to support Operation Enduring Freedom, which had begun following the terrorist attacks of September 2001. On March 8, the battle group relieved forces centered on USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT. VICKSBURG operated as an air-defense and maritime security unit, protecting the carrier and supporting coalition naval operations in the northern Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.

On June 16, 2002, while operating off the coast of Oman, VICKSBURG assisted the crew of the disabled motor vessel AL MURTHADA. The vessel had been adrift for approximately eight days when the tanker STOLT SPRAY attempted to provide assistance. Heavy monsoon conditions prevented the tanker from safely transferring the distressed mariners. VICKSBURG launched an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42, Detachment 7. The helicopter transferred the mariners from AL MURTHADA to STOLT SPRAY, allowing them to continue their journey to safety. Following the deployment, VICKSBURG returned to the United States for maintenance and training.

In March 2003, VICKSBURG was assigned to Naval Surface Group Two. During the remainder of the year, the cruiser conducted training, maintenance, and preparations for further overseas operations as American naval forces continued to support Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

In June 2004, VICKSBURG deployed with the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East. The deployment included operations in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea in support of maritime security and American military operations in Iraq. VICKSBURG provided air-defense protection for the strike group and conducted surface surveillance and maritime security operations.

On August 14, 2004, VICKSBURG assisted in the repatriation of six Iranian mariners rescued from the sinking Iranian cargo dhow NAJI in the northern Persian Gulf. USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) had received a distress call from the vessel and relayed the information to USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, which dispatched two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15. The helicopters rescued the six men and transported them to the carrier, where they received medical attention. The survivors were subsequently transferred to VICKSBURG, which assisted in arranging their return through Iranian civilian authorities.

Throughout the remainder of the deployment, VICKSBURG continued maritime security and carrier escort operations in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. The cruiser and her embarked Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42, Detachment 8, returned to Naval Station Mayport on December 17, 2004, completing a six-month deployment.

During 2005, VICKSBURG underwent maintenance and conducted operational training in preparation for further Fifth Fleet assignments. The following year, the cruiser was selected for a surge deployment to the Middle East. On January 26, 2006, VICKSBURG departed Mayport and proceeded across the Atlantic and Mediterranean toward the Red Sea and Persian Gulf region.

In February 2006, VICKSBURG became the first U.S. Navy ship to refuel at the newly established Defense Fuel Support Point in Djibouti. The facility provided an additional source of fuel for American naval forces operating in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and western Indian Ocean. During the deployment, VICKSBURG conducted maritime security and surveillance operations and supported the enforcement of maritime restrictions in the Fifth Fleet area. The cruiser returned to Mayport in June 2006. On February 16, 2007, VICKSBURG received the 2006 Battle Efficiency Award, commonly known as the Battle "E", recognizing the ship's performance and operational readiness during the preceding competitive year.

On August 2, 2007, VICKSBURG departed Mayport for another six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. During this deployment, she served as air-defense commander for the expeditionary strike group centered on USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3). She also assumed duties as area commander for Commander Task Force 158 in the northern Persian Gulf, where coalition naval forces were responsible for protecting Iraq's offshore oil infrastructure and conducting maritime security operations.

While operating near the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, VICKSBURG conducted 26 visit, board, search, and seizure operations, numerous maritime security patrols, and 76 small-boat transfers during a combined six-week period. These activities supported the protection of offshore installations and maritime traffic in the northern Persian Gulf. The deployment also included eight transits of the Strait of Hormuz and extensive operations throughout the central and northern Persian Gulf.

VICKSBURG also operated temporarily with the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group, relieving USS GETTYSBURG as air-defense commander and close escort for the aircraft carrier while the latter cruiser made a port visit. During the deployment, VICKSBURG received visits from the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense. A change of command also took place when Capt. John C. Nygaard relieved Capt. Charles C. Swicker as commanding officer.

Port visits during the deployment included La Spezia, Italy, where VICKSBURG became the first U.S. Navy ship to visit in more than three years, and Souda Bay, Crete. In the Persian Gulf, the cruiser visited Manama, Bahrain, on four occasions and made a liberty visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. During her return voyage, she visited Salalah, Oman, before transiting the Suez Canal, followed by port calls at Limassol, Cyprus, and Valletta, Malta. VICKSBURG returned to Naval Station Mayport on January 25, 2008, after traveling more than 31,500 miles during the deployment.

On October 6, 2008, VICKSBURG participated in a sinking exercise conducted by the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group. The former destroyer ex-USS O'BANNON (DD 987), which had been decommissioned in August 2005, served as the target vessel. Other surface combatants participating in the exercise included USS STOUT (DDG 55), USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG 96), and USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40). The exercise allowed the participating ships to practice coordinated weapons employment against a former warship under controlled range conditions.

In February 2009, VICKSBURG deployed again with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group. During the deployment, the cruiser operated in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, conducting air-defense, surveillance, and maritime security operations in support of the carrier strike group. Her duties included protecting the carrier during flight operations and maintaining a maritime and air picture for the surrounding task force.

After completing operations in the Middle East, VICKSBURG returned through the Mediterranean Sea. In July 2009, the cruiser visited Koper, Slovenia, where the ship was opened to local visitors during a port visit that also included meetings with Slovenian authorities and representatives of the armed forces. The visit formed part of the U.S. Navy's continuing cooperation with countries in the Adriatic region. VICKSBURG subsequently returned to the United States and resumed maintenance and training at Mayport.

In March 2010, VICKSBURG departed Mayport for a three-month theater security cooperation deployment to Northern Europe. The deployment included exercises with the Royal Norwegian Navy and other allied naval forces. In April, she participated in Joint Warrior 10-1, a multinational exercise conducted in the waters around Scotland. Training included anti-submarine warfare, air-defense coordination, communications, and joint operations involving surface ships and aircraft.

During the same deployment, VICKSBURG visited Stockholm, Sweden, for a series of engagements with Swedish naval and civilian authorities. On April 30, 2010, the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Tim Mahan, participated in official events in Stockholm, including a visit to the Royal Palace. Following the completion of the Northern European deployment, VICKSBURG returned to Mayport and continued routine training, inspections, and maintenance during the remainder of 2010 and 2011.

In March 2012, VICKSBURG departed Mayport with the USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group for the aircraft carrier's final operational deployment. The deployment took place in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. During the transit through the Mediterranean, VICKSBURG and USS ENTERPRISE visited Piraeus, Greece, from March 28 to 31.

By mid-April, VICKSBURG was operating in the Persian Gulf as part of the U.S. Fifth Fleet. During this period, she conducted joint training with the French Navy air-defense frigate FS CASSARD (D 614), assigned to Combined Task Force 152. On April 14, sailors from both ships participated in a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise aboard VICKSBURG. Additional activities included damage-control training on April 20, during which American and French sailors practiced responding to simulated emergencies aboard the cruiser. The cooperation continued through the latter part of April, supporting the combined maritime security operations of American and French naval forces in the region.

During the following months, VICKSBURG continued supporting the USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group in the Fifth Fleet area. She visited Manama, Bahrain, in late May and again in August 2012. Additional port visits included Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, in July and September. Following the completion of operations in the Middle East, the cruiser proceeded westward through the Mediterranean. On October 17, 2012, VICKSBURG visited Lisbon, Portugal, where USS PORTER (DDG 78) was also present. VICKSBURG returned to Naval Station Mayport on November 5, 2012.

During 2012 and 2013, VICKSBURG became involved in the U.S. Navy's plans to reduce the number of older TICONDEROGA-class cruisers in active service. The Navy initially proposed retiring VICKSBURG and several other cruisers as part of budget reductions. Her planned decommissioning date was March 31, 2013. However, Congress opposed the proposed retirement of a number of these ships, and VICKSBURG was retained for further service and eventual modernization. During 2013, the cruiser continued maintenance, certifications, training, and other assignments on the U.S. East Coast.

In October 2014, VICKSBURG participated in Exercise Joint Warrior 14-2 in waters around Scotland. She arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde, Faslane, in early October, alongside other American naval units preparing for the exercise. U.S. participants included USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS KANAWHA (T-AO 196). VICKSBURG departed Faslane on October 6 for the exercise, which involved multinational naval and air forces conducting anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, and tactical training in the North Atlantic.

On December 4, 2014, VICKSBURG departed Mayport for a deployment to Europe, where she was scheduled to assume the duties of flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2). The group formed part of NATO's permanent maritime forces and operated in the Mediterranean Sea and other European waters. VICKSBURG relieved USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) as the American flagship assigned to the NATO mission. On December 20, 2014, the cruiser assumed the SNMG2 flagship role at Naples, Italy, embarking the multinational staff commanded by Rear Adm. Brad Williamson of the U.S. Navy.

During the first months of 2015, VICKSBURG operated in the Mediterranean with naval forces from several NATO countries. Her assignments included maritime surveillance, operational training, and activities associated with Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's maritime security mission in the Mediterranean. On March 4, 2015, VICKSBURG led Standing NATO Maritime Group Two into the Black Sea for exercises with the navies of Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.

The NATO group included the Canadian frigate HMCS FREDERICTON (FFH 337), the Turkish frigate TCG TURGUTREIS (F 241), the German replenishment ship FGS SPESSART (A 1442), the Italian frigate ITS ALISEO (F 574), and the Romanian frigate ROS REGINA MARIA (F 222). The ships conducted training in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface operations, and maneuvering. They also practiced responses to simulated small-boat attacks and conducted communications exercises with regional naval forces.

On March 7, 2015, VICKSBURG and the NATO group arrived at Varna, Bulgaria, for a scheduled port visit. The visit included meetings between NATO officers and Bulgarian military and civilian representatives. The group subsequently proceeded to Constanta, Romania, arriving in mid-March. During the visit, NATO officers met with Romanian naval authorities and participated in additional training with Romanian naval units. After completing operations in the Black Sea, the force returned to the Mediterranean toward the end of March.

In early April 2015, VICKSBURG proceeded to Scotland to participate in Joint Warrior 15-1. On April 11, the cruiser was alongside USS ANZIO (CG 68) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) at Faslane, Scotland. VICKSBURG departed Faslane on April 12 to participate in the exercise. Joint Warrior brought together NATO surface ships, submarines, aircraft, and supporting units for a series of coordinated maritime operations in the waters surrounding the United Kingdom.

In May 2015, VICKSBURG and Standing NATO Maritime Group Two participated in Dynamic Mongoose 2015 in northern European waters. The exercise focused on anti-submarine warfare and involved the coordination of surface ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters. The participating forces practiced submarine detection, tracking, communications, and tactical coordination under NATO procedures.

In June 2015, VICKSBURG participated in BALTOPS 2015, the annual multinational exercise conducted in the Baltic Sea. The exercise involved naval, air, and amphibious forces from NATO and partner nations and included surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, maritime security, and amphibious landing exercises. VICKSBURG continued to serve as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two during the exercise.

During the Baltic deployment, VICKSBURG visited Gdynia, Poland, where USS JASON DUNHAM was also present. On June 19, 2015, VICKSBURG arrived at Kiel, Germany, following BALTOPS. The cruiser subsequently moored at Naval Base Kiel alongside USS JASON DUNHAM. During the visit, members of the public were able to tour VICKSBURG, and the ship participated in activities associated with Kiel Week and the continuing presence of NATO naval forces in the Baltic Sea.

Following the completion of her NATO assignment, VICKSBURG transferred the duties of SNMG2 flagship to the German frigate FGS HAMBURG (F 220). The cruiser then began her return voyage across the Atlantic. On July 3, 2015, she visited Ponta Delgada in the Azores, where USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79) was also present. VICKSBURG returned to Naval Station Mayport on July 11, 2015, after completing a seven-month deployment. During the deployment, the cruiser operated with 61 ships and aircraft from 18 nations, covered approximately 30,000 nautical miles, participated in numerous multinational exercises, and visited eleven countries. Her crew also participated in community relations activities during port visits throughout Europe.

Following her return, VICKSBURG underwent maintenance and routine training at Mayport. On July 1, 2016, she entered the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program, which was intended to upgrade selected Ticonderoga-class cruisers and extend their operational service lives. VICKSBURG was transferred from Carrier Strike Group Twelve to the Naval Sea Systems Command for administration under the modernization program. She departed Mayport and arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on July 8, 2016, establishing Norfolk as her new administrative homeport.

The modernization program initially followed a phased approach under which no more than two cruisers would enter modernization each year, individual ships were intended to remain in the program for no more than four years, and no more than six cruisers would be undergoing modernization simultaneously. Under this arrangement, VICKSBURG was placed in reduced operating status with a caretaker crew of approximately 45 sailors while preparations were made for major maintenance and modernization work. The planned upgrades included repairs to hull, mechanical, and electrical systems, improvements to combat systems, and work intended to extend the ship's remaining operational life.

On March 16, 2017, the Navy awarded BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair a contract valued at approximately $42.9 million for a Selected Restricted Availability associated with VICKSBURG's modernization. Work during this period included inspections, repairs, and preparations for the larger modernization program. The cruiser remained at Norfolk while the Navy developed and awarded additional work packages. A further modernization contract valued at approximately $175 million was awarded in January 2020. The work included extensive maintenance and modernization of hull, mechanical, electrical, and combat systems. On March 24, 2020, VICKSBURG was moved into dry dock at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair as part of her ongoing availability. The modernization continued through 2021, with the ship undergoing substantial structural, mechanical, and electrical work as well as the removal and replacement of various combat-system components.

By May 2022, the Navy reported that VICKSBURG's modernization was approximately 85 percent complete, and completion was expected during 2023. However, the program continued to experience delays, additional repair requirements, and growing costs. During 2022 and 2023, the Navy again proposed retiring VICKSBURG instead of completing the modernization, while members of Congress questioned the proposed retirement because of the substantial amount of money already committed to the ship.

A subsequent investigation by the Government Accountability Office found that significant work remained unfinished. During an inspection in September 2023, investigators observed that consoles in the ship's Combat Information Center remained disconnected and unusable. The sonar dome was also nonfunctional and required further repairs. Navy officials estimated that completing the modernization would require approximately $100 million to $120 million in additional funding, excluding some necessary repairs and dry-docking work.

By September 30, 2023, approximately $745 million had been spent on VICKSBURG's modernization. Despite this expenditure, the ship had not returned to operational service. The Navy also removed equipment and components from VICKSBURG for use aboard other cruisers, including USS GETTYSBURG. The modernization was never completed.

During the first months of 2024, work on VICKSBURG ceased as the Navy prepared the ship for retirement. In April 2024, she was moved under tow from the BAE Systems shipyard to Naval Station Norfolk. By that time, much of her topside equipment had been removed, including major sensors and components associated with the ship's combat systems. Her retirement took place without the cruiser having returned to operational service after entering the modernization program in July 2016.

On June 28, 2024, VICKSBURG held her decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The ceremony marked the end of more than 31 years since her commissioning in November 1992. The ship was formally decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on July 26, 2024. On September 4, 2024, the former VICKSBURG departed Norfolk under tow for the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There she was placed in inactive status pending final disposal.

On September 30, 2026, the former VICKSBURG departed the Philadelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility under tow for Brownsville, Texas, where she was scheduled to be dismantled by International Shipbreaking Ltd.

back to top

go to the end of the page

Homeports of USS VICKSBURG:

back to top

go to the end of the page

Some Details:

back to top

go to the end of the page

About the Cruiser's Name, about the Siege of Vicksburg:

Between Cairo IL, and the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi river meanders over a course of more than a thousand miles long. During the Civil War, control of this stretch of the river was of vital importance to the Federal Government. Command of that waterway would allow uninterrupted passage of Union troops and supplies into the South. It would also have the desired effect of isolating the states of Texas and Arkansas and most of Louisiana, comprising nearly half the land area of the Confederacy and a region upon which the South depended heavily for supplies and recruits.

From the beginning of the war in 1861, the Confederates, to protect this vital lifeline, erected fortifications at strategic points along the river. Federal forces, however, fighting their way southward from Illinois and northward from the Gulf of Mexico, captured post after post, until by late summer of 1862 only Vicksburg and Port Hudson posed major obstacles to Union domination of the Mississippi. Of the two posts, Vicksburg was the strongest and most important. It sat on a high bluff overlooking a bend in the river, protected by artillery batteries along the riverfront and by a maze of swamps and bayous to the north and south. President Abraham Lincoln called Vicksburg " the key" and believed that "the war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket". So far the city had defied Union efforts to force it into submission.

In October 1862, Ulysses S. Grant was appointed commander of the Department of the Tennessee and charged with clearing the Mississippi of Confederate resistance. That same month, Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, a West Point graduate and a Pennsylvanian by birth, assumed command of the roughly 50,000 widely scattered Confederate troops defending the Mississippi. His orders were to keep the river open. Vicksburg became the focus of military operations of both generals.

On March 31, 1863, Grant moved his army south from its encampments at Milliken's Bend, 20 miles northwest of Vicksburg. By April 28, the Northerners were established at hard Times on the Mississippi above Grand Gulf. On the 29th, RADM David D. Porter's gunboats bombarded the Confederate forts at Grand Gulf to prepare the way for a crossing, but the attack was repulsed. Undaunted, Grant marched a little further south and, on April 30, crossed unopposed at Bruinsburg.

Striking rapidly eastward to secure the bridgehead. The Northerners met elements of Pemberton's Confederate forces near Port Gibson on May 1. The Southerners fought a gallant holding action, but they were overwhelmed and fell back toward Vicksburg. After meeting and defeating a small Confederate force near Raymond on May 12, Grant's troops captured Jackson, the state capitol, on may 14, scattering Southern defenders.

Turning his army westward, Grant moved along the line of the Southern Railroad of Mississippi. At Champion Hill on May 16, and at Big Black River Bridge on May 17, his soldiers attacked and overwhelmed Pemberton's disorganized Confederates, driving them back into the Vicksburg fortifications. By May 18, advanced units of the Federal army were approaching the bristling Confederate defenses.

Believing that the battles of Champion Hill and Big Black River Bridge had broken Confederate morale, Grant immediately scheduled an assault on the Vicksburg lines. The first attack took place on May 19. It failed. A second attack, launched on the morning of May 22, was also repulsed.

Realizing that it was useless to expend further lives in attempts to take the city by storm, Grant reluctantly began formal sedge operations. Batteries of artillery were established to hammer the confederate fortifications from the land side, while Admiral Porter's gunboats cut off communications and blasted the city from the river. By the end of June, with little hope of relief and no chance to break out of the Federal cordon, Pemberton knew that it was only a matter of time before he must "capitulate upon the best attainable terms." On the afternoon of July 3, he met with Grant to discuss terms for the surrender of Vicksburg.

Grant demanded unconditional surrender; Pemberton refused. The meeting broke up. During the afternoon, the Federal commander modified his demands and agreed to let the Confederates sign paroles not to fight again until exchanged. In addition, officers could retain side arms and a mount. Pemberton accepted these terms, and at 10 a.m. on July 4, 1863 Vicksburg was officially surrendered.

back to top

go to the end of the page

USS VICKSBURG Patch Gallery:

back to top

go to the end of the page

USS VICKSBURG Image Gallery:

From June 2 - 18, 1999, USS VICKSBURG and USS HUE CITY (CG 66) participated in the 27th annual maritime exercise U.S. Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 1999. On June 18, 1999 the ships arrived at Kiel, Germany, for a three-day port visit. During that port visit I took the following photos.

The photo below was taken by me on July 31, 2000, and shows the VICKSBURG at Naval Base Mayport, Fla.

The photos below were taken by me and show the USS VICKSBURG at Naval Base Faslane, UK, on October 4, 2014, (the first three photos) prior to VICKSBURG's participation in Exercise Joint Warrior 142. For the exercise, the US Navy sent VICKSBURG, USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) and USNS KANAWHA (T-AO 196) to Scotland. The other photos show the VICKSBURG departing Faslane in grim weather early in the morning of October 6.

The photos below were taken by Philip Petersen and me and show the USS VICKSBURG alongside USS ANZIO (CG 68) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) at Naval Base Faslane, UK, on April 11, 2015, (the first three photos) before participating in Exercise Joint Warrior 151. The other photos show the VICKSBURG departing Faslane on April 12, 2015. The VICKSBURG is presently serving as flagship of NATO's SNMG2.

The photos below were taken by me and show the USS VICKSBURG arriving at Kiel, Germany, on June 19, 2015, after participating in BALTOPS 2015. She is still serving as flagship of NATO's SNMG2. The last photos show her later that day at Naval Base Kiel with USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) alongside. Note that the previous Command Effectiveness Awards on the ship's bridge wings have been painted over on the arrival photos. On the latter photos at the Naval Base, the crew is applying the current awards.

The photos below were taken by me on June 21, 2015, during an open house aboard USS VICKSBURG (CG 69) at Naval Base Kiel, Germany. The VICKSBURG visited Kiel after her participation in BALTOPS 2015.

			Click here for more Photos.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the VICKSBURG at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 12, 2016. The VICKSBURG is presently involved in the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program which means that the ship is presently laid up and maintained by a small 45-person crew. The ship will later undergo modernization and return to service by 2022, replacing an older sistership. The VICKSBURG entered the program on July 1, 2016, at Mayport, Fla., and arrived at her new administrative homeport of Norfolk, Va., on July 8. The program follows a 2-4-6 plan meaning that each year no more than two cruisers will be placed in phased modernization; no cruiser will remain in phased modernization for more than 4 years; and no more than six cruisers may be in phased modernization at the same time.

The photo below was taken by Michael Jenning and shows the VICKSBURG during her Special Selected Restricted Availability (SSRA) at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair on October 4, 2017. The SSRA is part of the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the VICKSBURG at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair on September 22, 2018.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the VICKSBURG undergoing a modernization period availability at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair on December 26, 2021. VICKSBURG entered the shipyard on March 24, 2020.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the VICKSBURG undergoing a modernization period availability at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair on September 6, 2022.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the VICKSBURG at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair on October 9, 2023. She is missing almost all of her sensors and weapons systems. The Navy is trying to retire the VICKSBURG for a few years now while lawmakers insisted on keeping her in the fleet.

back to top

---

Back to Cruisers list. Back to ships list. Back to selection page. Back to 1^st page.

✕